Collis Temple, Sr. Obiturary

Collis Benton Temple, Sr. was born in Greensburg, Louisiana on August 12, 1912, to the union of John and Ida Butler Temple who preceded him in death. three brothers; Herberts, Sr., Leon and Oscar and two sisters; Margaret and Alice, also preceded him in death.To the marriage of Collis, Sr. and Shirley Cross Temple Temple were born Shirley Collen, Benita Elaine, Sandra Janice, Valeria Antoinette, Brenda Joyce and Collis, Jr. 

Collis Sr. positively influenced his community throughout his lifetime as a husband, a father, and educator, a farmer, a political  leader and businessman. He was a pioneer, and activist and a visionary. He was an exemplar church member and a citizen who works to build and strengthen  institutions that uplift and improve the condition of his his people. He was a compassionate leader who expect3d the best of himself and others. HE commanded the respect of his peers. He love this family and friends. Above all, he loved the Lord.

During his lengthy illness, he continue the fight for this life until he surrender to God. He peacefully entered a new dimension of life at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, June 7, 1996. Mourning his death are his wife and six children; three sons-in-laws. Mrs. George Magee, Mr. Theodore Long, Jr., and Mr. Knox W. Tull, Jr.; one daughter-in-law, Mrs. Soundra J. Temple.; seventeen grandchildren; on grandson-in-law; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Mr. Fulton Temple; two uncle, Mr. Robert Temple and Mr. Walter Temple, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Affiliations:

Oak Grove A.M.E. Church, New Farmers of America, Phi Delta Kappa Educational Fraternity, Prince Hall Masons, Louisiana Education Association, National Education Association, School Principals' Association, Boy Scouts of America, (Silver Beaver). Southern University Alumni, Michigan State University Alumni, Regina Ceolia Headstart Council, Tangipahoa Parish and Louisiana Council of Aging, J.K. Haynes Educational  Foundation, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, NAACP.

Professional Accomplishments

Organized Rural War Production in Tangipahoa Parish during WWII, President Sixth District LEA; Founder-Organizer Tangipahoa Parish Training School Fair/Tri Fair; Lay Leader and National Board Member- African Methodist Episcopal Methodist Church; Political Candidate State Representative/State Senator; Participant with Mr. J. K. Haynes in Effort to Equalize Salaries for Louisiana Black Teachers; Co-Founder-Harmony Center, Inc., Co-Founder Southern Heights Residential Development; Business Entrepreneur. 

Tangipahoa Parish Black Supervisors

Mr. Oliver Wendell Dillon

There were a few educators of African Ancestry who became supervisors in the public school system in Tangipahoa Parish. Professor Sterling, Miss Erlean LaMotte, Mr. O.W. Dillon, Mrs. Maggie L. Aldridge, Mrs. Ella C. Jackson, and Mrs. Dorothy H. Andrews are reported to have had that distinction.

Presently serving in administrative capacity in the Tangipahoa Parish School Board Office are: Mr. Leslie Mabry, the first Assistant Superindent of black parentage, Mr. Rudolph P. Gibson, Mr. Joe Brumfield, Mrs. Elmira P. Wilkerson, and Mrs. Marge Cyprian.

Black Education in Hammond Schools

There were several developmental stages in the evolution of the schools in the Hammond area. There were houses schools with were held in homes as the names indicate. There were church schools. And there were public schools which are direct precursors of our present schools.

House schools were usually taught by the lady of the house. The students learned to read and write, and to do arithmetic. Parents who could afford the monetary burden paid the teacher twenty-five cent a month for their children to attend school. Other parents who were less fortunate bartered produce from their gardens and their personal services as payment to the teacher for teaching their children, 

Mrs. Chlora Andrews Bickham, Mrs. Meryl Woods, and Mrs. Simpson were some of the teachers who taught in their homes during that period. Later, as the name of students grew, churches opened their doors to accommodate the increase. In most cases, one teacher taught all levels of learning, from beginners to the advanced students. St. James AME Church was one of the churches in which a school was housed.

During the winter months, fathers provided firewood for the church schools, probably as a sense of duty rather than as a means of paying for the services of the teachers. Some black students went to a three-room school across the street from where Eastside school is presently located. Not much is known about that school but, significantly, it was located on that site.

Hammond Colored School which was located onto north/east conmen of where Hammond Middle School is presently located. The building was given to the black community after the whites moved into a new school building which was constructed for them. The old two-story building is which the black children moved was in severe disrepair but the black people was glad to get it. They immediately began to repair it. Details on how the building came into the possession of the blacks are not yet known, but considering the times, that Black Elders of the community had to bargain rather shrewdly with the white power structure for it.

Greenville Park High School was built under the leadership of Mr. J. W. Davis. He worked with the PTA to raise money to purchase the land for the new high school and gymnasium. People in the community had fundraising activities; the local black farmers donated so many crates of strawberries each year; teachers donated parts of their salaries were some of the means by which funds were obtained to purchases land for the high school and gymnasium.

Some of the principals who served in school that were the forerunners to Greenville Park High School were: Professor Tinnier, Professor DeNoah, Professor Martin, Professor Snaudgress, Mrs. Minnie L. Barksdale, Professor Holland, Mrs. Purnell, Mr. Willie Price, Sr., Mr. Willie Price, Jr., Mr. J. W. Davis, Sr., Mr. Manley Youngsblood, and Mr. Samuel Richardson.

Other Principals in the Hammond area were: the Reverend Mr. Albert C. Evans, Mr. Eddie Robinson, Mr. Roudolph P. Gibson, and Mrs. Lillie. 

Reprint from the files of the late Dr. Kingsley B. Garrison

Joseph Otto Hart

Joseph Otto Hart
Photo Courtesy of
Ancestry: welcome2myemail

Joseph was born in 1925 Amite, Louisiana  to John and Mary Montgomery Hart.  Joseph passed away in 2002.  Mary was born in 1899 and died in 1984. She is buried in Butler Cemetery in Amite, Louisiana.  Joseph and Ruth had eight children together.

 

Joseph Otto Hart World War Registration Card

Ruth Watts Hart

Ruth Watts Hart and children
Photo Courtesy of: Karen Stewart

Ruth was born to Ed and Clara Watts abt 1930. According to the 1930 United States Federal Census, Ruth was living in the household  of her grandmother Vinie Gilbert Hollins. Vinie was married to Jerry Hollins. Vinie was born in 1851 and died in 1937. 

Ruth's mother Clara was born on July 1, 1889 in Amite, Louisiana. Ruth was married to Joseph Otto Hart. She passed away on October 2, 2010. Ruth and Joseph had eight children together. 

Celebrating Black History Month 2021 Honoring Local Icons

Top right: 

Eddie Ponds

Publisher of  the Drum Newspapers

Top Left

Dr. Kingsley B. Garrison

Professor, Music Supervisor, Assistant Principal, and Community Activist

Second Row Left End

Ann  A. Smith

Represents the 5th Congressional District, Retired School Educator, Former member of  

Tangipahoa Parish School Board District A

Second Row Right End

Harold Smith

First African American elected as mayor of Kentwood, La

Former Educator

Third Row, Left End

Bobby Cyprian

Civil Rights Leader

Third Row, Right End

Collis Temple, Sr.

Principal and Educator

O.W. Dillon School

Third Person

Lemar  F. Marshall

Former City Councilmember,  District 4, Hammond, LA 

Advocate for STEM Education in Tangipahoa Parish

Fourth Person

Major Coleman

Former Member-At-Large

Police Jury Association

Board of Director for the Southeast Community Health System

Robert Parker

Singer known for his 1966 song "Barefootin" He was introduced into the

Louisiana Music Hall of Fame 2007

Mrs. Shirley Cross

Educator, Graduate of Tuskegee Institute

Left Second to the End

Jo-Ann Lewis Frazier

Community Activist 

Right End

Irma Thompson Gordon

Former Educator and the First African-American Woman elected as mayor of Kentwood

Gloria Gordon Brumfield

One of the first African American student to Desegregate the Schools in St. Helena Parish

Alvin Holden

Voter Right Leader in Hammond, Louisiana, Founding members of the Tangipahoa Parish Voter League, and organization that fought to obtain the right to vote and equal treatment for African Americans. He was the first African American to register to vote in parish.

Dr. Willard Vernon and Mrs. Alma Harrison Vernon

Educators and Community Advocates

Community Organizers, Educators. Dr. Willard built the Good Samaritan Nursing Home. Mrs. Alma Harrison Vernon, received and Appreciation in recognition of her important contribution to ongoing fight against hatred and intolerance in America. 

Wilbert Dangerfield

The first African American elected as Councilman for District 1 in Hammond, LA.

Bobby Carter

First African American Deputy of the City of Hammond

Fred and Vernia McCoy

Botton Right

Former Educators in Tangipahoa Parish and Civil Rights Leaders

 

Black Cemeteries

Our Ancestors Owned Land and Property

Willie Williams: African American Scientist Grew Up Near Amite, Louisiana

Willie Williams, Jr. 

Willie was born March 24, 1947 in Independence, Louisiana to Willie and Leaner Williams. He was  a Professor of Physics,  at Lincoln University, Pennsylvania. He received his Bachelor of Science degree, at Southern University, Baton Rouge, and his Master of Science degree, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. He received his Doctor of Philosophy degree, Iowa State University. Willie grew up on a farm near Amite, Louisiana. He attended Wood Chapel School, when he went to a higher grade he attended a new school and in the ninth grade he enrolled at Helena High School in Greensburg.

Source: Distinguished African American Scientist of the 20th Century

A Riot Near Tickfaw Involving African Americans

Causey, R. J. Correspondence, 1863 September 25-November 19. 4 items. Location: Misc.:C. Letters from Causey's wife comment on a riot near Tickfaw involving African Americans, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana; Confederate farm taxes; and transportation difficulties of sending cotton to Baton Rouge. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 2133. sourcea: LSU Libraries Special Collection Findig Aid

Alexander Bookter Succession Papers, 1805

Bookter, Alexander. Succession Papers, 1805 May 10. 1 item (9 leaves). Location: Misc:B. Slaveholder of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana. Slaves and other property were seized and sold at public sale after the death of Alexander Bookter by the Sheriff of St. Helena Parish for the payment of Bookter's debts. Affidavits of Ann Liles, William Liles, and John Mink regarding ownership of slaves and other property in the estate of Alexander Bookter. Signed by Spanish commandant of Louisiana, Carlos de Grand-Pre. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 4514. Source: LSU Libraries and Special Collection

Free Bob's Daughter Georgiana Vernon Sanders

Georgiana was born around 1869 in Mississippi to Robert "Free Bob" Vernon and Catherine Tuckson Vernon. Her siblings were; Rily, Willis, Luella, Isaac, James, John, Florence, Samuel, and Stamps. She was married to Cass Sanders. 

According to the 1910 United States Federal Census she was a mulatto. She and Cass had nine children and during the time the census was taken, eight was living.  Their children were; Bango, Mammie, Jesse, Frank, Toby, Busby, Shadrak,  Earl, and Sarah.

Mrs. Grace Belvins Walker is the granddaughter of Georgiana. She recalled the days she lived with her grandmother. The days of delicious home cooked meals, her walks to church and school with her sister. "We had family living all around us," said Mrs.Walker. 

I enjoyed listening to her tell stories about her childhood growing up in Vernon Town. She is the 3rd great granddaughter of Robert "Free Bob" Vernon. I asked her how  do she feel about the legacy Free Bob left?  She said the older she gets, she have a better appreciation for her Vernon history.  Free Bob left each one of his seventeen children one hundred acres each. He donated land for a school, church and the cemetery. Mrs.Walker just want to see the history past down from generation to generation. I must say that she is certainly doing her part. 

The pictures she's holding is her maternal grandmother Georgiana. I have so many questions I want to asks her about growing up in Vernon Town. She is passing the history down to her son and daughter. Her daughter is working on a project to archive Mrs. Walker rich collection of photographs, church programs, family obituaries and other family material. 

Georgiana Vernon Sanders
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

Robert Vernon, Jr., Weaved Baskets and Chairs

Robert was born in 1854 in Rankin, Mississippi. He was the the seventeen children born to  Robert "Free Bob" Vernon, Sr. He was married twice and had children with both of his wives. One of his wives was Elizabeth Stokes. Robert and Elizabeth were married on January 20, 1887, in Tangipahoa, Louisiana. Elizabeth was born on February 11, 1866, in Roseland, Louisiana, and died on March 18, 1938. They were parents of;  Ely, Willis, Hugh, Nellie, Jannie, Nancy, Lettie, Ruby, Mary, and Linsey Vernon.

Robert died in 1949; he's buried in Mt. Canaan Baptist Church Cemetery. Robert was a preacher, and he enjoyed weaving baskets and chairs. I went to Mrs. Grace Belvins Walker for an interview about the Vernon family. Robert was her great uncle, her grandmother Georgiana and Robert were sister and brother.  When I got to her house, she had a few family heirlooms to show me and her cousin Glyniss Vernon Gordon. One of the  family heirlooms was a syrup pitcher and baskets.

She told Glyniss that her 2nd great-grandfather Robert weaved the baskets. That was Glynis's first time seeing the baskets. Mrs. Walker made sure she let her know that you look but, you're not taking them out of this house. Mrs. Walker is one of the Vernon family griots. I can sit and listen to her very detailed family stories. 

Robert like his brothers was very talents and had creative skills. His son James Robert Vernon was a blacksmith and he made casket. Every time I meet with Mrs. Walker and other Vernon descendants I learn so much about their history. 

Richardson Funeral Home, Amite Donated Funeral Programs to Nurturing Our...

The Headstone of Ella Long

Ella Long
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

                                 

Ella Long was the daughter of Oden and Sarah Long.  Ella lived in Ward 1 in the Village of Tangipahoa. According to the 1940 United States Federal Census, she was a widow and her birthplace was Louisiana. She was a house cleaner for a private family.  Her father Oden was born in Mississippi in 1853. Her siblings are; Lizza, Flora, Florence, Chann, William, George, Jessie, Martha, Thomas, Clarence and Catherine.

Ella was born in 1876 and died in 1968. She's buried in Tangipahoa-Quinn Brown Cemetery in Tangipahoa Parish. 

From GU272 to Descendants of Jesuit Enslaved Ancestors

Jasper & Josephine Richardson Harrell, Sr.

Nurturing Our Roots- Family is A Gift

A Tribute to Our Mother Isabel Harrell Cook

Nurturing Our Roots Genealogy Oral History Collection